Compare the Chevy Trax and the Chevy Trailblazer

Chevy Trax vs. Chevy Trailblazer: Which Compact SUV is Right for You?

The Trax and the Trailblazer are the two smallest new Chevy SUVs in the Chevrolet lineup. The Trax is a popular subcompact SUV that's the most affordable vehicle Chevy makes and the Trailblazer is a subcompact with more options, including a more powerful engine. Both start at under $25,000, both have four doors and they even operate with the same base engine.  If you're in the market for a subcompact SUV, here's a comparison to help you decide which one to buy at Tracy Chevrolet in Tracy, CA.

The new Chevy Trax and the Chevy Trailblazer both come with a standard 1.2-liter EcoTec three-cylinder engine that generates 137 horsepower and 162 pound.feet of torque, and that's the only engine the Trax has available. If you want a more potent option, the new Chevy Trailblazer also offers a turbocharged 1.3-liter three-cylinder with an output of 155 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque.

The only transmission in the Trax is a six-speed automatic while the Chevy Trailblazer uses a continuously variable automatic with the base model and offers a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic with the larger engine. The Chevy Trax gives Modesto, CA drivers front-wheel drive only while the Trailblazer offers standard front wheel drive and all-wheel drive as an available option. Another benefit the Trailblazer can give California drivers is an optional skid plate and off-road suspension tuning.

Both subcompact Chevy SUVs provide room for five passengers but there are subtle differences in terms of interior space. The Trailblazer offers Livermore, CA drivers slightly more front and rear headroom than the Trax while the Chevy Trax has a slight edge in terms of front and rear shoulder room.

The Trailblazer does give you a little more front and rear hip  room but the two are almost an even match in terms of total cargo volume. Bottom line: Both subcompact SUVs provide enough interior room and there isn't a significant space advantage with either vehicle.

The new Chevy Trax has a standard 8.0-inch touch screen while the Chevy Trailblazer comes with a larger standard 11.0-inch touch screen. Standard tech features in both subcompact SUVs include wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, a four-speaker stereo, satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The available upgrade sound system in the Trax comes with six speakers compared with a seven-speaker Bose system in the Trailblazer. 

Both vehicles offer California drivers available wireless device charging, automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry and remote start. The Trax offers an available sunroof while the Trailblazer raises its game even higher with an available panoramic power sunroof.

Standard safety features in both the Chevy Trax and the Trailblazer include forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights and a rearview camera. Available safety features in both subcompact SUVs include adaptive cruise control, blind=spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, so you can be confident you'll be getting a high level of security whichever one you buy.

A comparison of price and value

For California drivers who put a high priority on saving as much money as possible, the Chevy Trax has the edge. It comes with a starting price of about $20,500 compared to a starting price of about $23,100 for the Chevy Trailblazer. Both SUVs offer excellent safety features, and both provide a comparable amount of interior space. The Chevy Trailblazer is worth your consideration if you want a more powerful engine, and more advanced technology options.